Blepharoplasty ( Eyelid surgery )
When to Consider Eyelid Surgery
– If you have excess, hanging skin covering the natural fold of the upper eyelids
– If you have loose skin hanging down from the upper eyelids over the eyelashes
– If your upper and lower eyelids appear puffy, making your eyes look tired and aged
– If you have deep grooves under your eyes
Considerations
Pros
– You will eliminate the puffiness and bags under your lower lids and the hooded skin on your upper lids, making you appear younger and healthier.
– You may no longer have vision problems related to overhanging eyelids.
– Any scars from the eye lift will be hidden in your natural eyelid creases, making them almost indiscernible.
Cons
– It will take time to see results after surgery.
– You’ll likely be bruised and swollen and your eyes may be itchy and dry following the procedure.
– If your eyebrows droop and you have creases in your forehead, you may also need a brow lift.
Are you a good candidate for Blepharoplasty ( Eyelid surgery )?
– You have excess skin obscuring the natural fold of the upper eyelids
– You have loose upper eyelid skin that impairs your vision
– You have a puffy appearance to the upper eyelids, making your eyes look tired and sad
– You have excess skin and fine, ‘crepe paper’ type lower eyelid wrinkles
– You have bags and dark circles under the eyes
– Your upper eye surface is too small or not smooth enough to apply makeup
About your procedure
How is a eyelid surgery procedure performed?
Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) can be performed on your upper eyelids, lower eyelids, or both.
Based on a preoperative evaluation of factors such as your underlying facial muscle structure, bone structure, and the symmetry of your eyebrows, your surgeon will decide how much skin, muscle, and/or fat to remove.
– Your surgeon will make precise markings to indicate where excess tissues will be removed in your upper eyelids and in your lower eyelids.
– In your upper eyelid, your surgeon will make an incision hidden within the natural fold of the upper eyelid.
– In the lower eyelid, the incision will be hidden just below the lower lashes. Alternatively, when excess, fat is being removed, the incision can be placed inside the lower eyelid (transconjunctival incision). A
laser may sometimes be used in conjunction with this method to tighten lower eyelid skin.
– Your surgeon will remove tissue through these incisions using surgical instruments, including scalpels, surgical scissors, radiofrequency cutting devices, and, sometimes, cutting lasers.
– Sometimes fat may be redistributed in the lower lids to eliminate puffiness or bulges. Your surgeon may make other adjustments to correct special problems such as muscle laxity.
– He or she will then apply sutures or tissue adhesives (glue) to smooth and reconfigure areas around the eyebrows and eyelids. Sutures are invisible to the eye and are commonly self-dissolving. In most cases, there is virtually no detectable scar.
– Less tissue is removed in patients with dry eyes to avoid exposing more of the eye to the air, which can cause symptoms to worsen.
– Your surgeon also may use a laser to enhance the procedure by resurfacing skin and smoothing wrinkles in the eyelid and eyebrow area.
What will my eyelid surgery incisions and scars be like?
Upper eyelid surgery: Your surgeon will mark the natural lines and creases of your lids and keep your scars as hidden as possible along these natural folds. Fine sutures will be used to close the incisions, thereby minimizing scar visibility. Lower eyelid surgery: In traditional blepharoplasty, your surgeon will make the incision in an inconspicuous site along the lash line and smile creases of the lower lid. In a transconjunctival approach, your surgeon corrects eyelid puffiness caused by excess fat by making an incision inside the lower eyelid. This technique requires no external incision, but it cannot be used to remove excess skin.
Preparing for Your Procedure
– Stop smoking at least six weeks before undergoing to promote better healing.
– Avoid taking aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs: Advil, Motrin, Aleve), and vitamins/homeopathic regimens that can increase bleeding.
– Regardless of the type of surgery to be performed, hydration is very important. Appropriate hydration before and after surgery is critical for safe recovery and optimal outcomes.
Aftercare and Recovery
Immediately after eyelid surgery
– You may experience excessive tearing, light sensitivity, and double vision just after the surgery.
-Your incisions will be red and visible at first, and your eyelids may be puffy and feel numb for several days.
– Swelling and bruising, similar to having “black eyes,” will likely last a week or more.
– Your surgeon will probably instruct you to apply ice packs or cold compresses to your eyes to help reduce swelling.
– Pain is usually minimal. You may be given a pain reliever such as acetaminophen (Tylenol or others) for mild discomfort, but remember to avoid aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, or others), naproxen (Aleve), and any other medications or herbal supplements that may increase bleeding.
– If stitches were used, they’ll be removed after three or four days.
How Long Will the Results Last?
Your eyelid surgery results should be long-lasting.
Limitations and Risks
– Adverse reaction to anesthesia
– Hematoma or seroma (an accumulation of blood or fluid under the skin that may require removal)
– Infection and bleeding
– Changes in sensation
– Scarring
– Allergic reactions
– Damage to underlying structures
– Unsatisfactory results that may necessitate additional procedures.